The Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED) laden with approximately 80 Kgs of high grade Trinitrotoluene (TNT) intercepted in Merti,Isiolo County was to be used to conduct a massive terror attack in Nairobi.

Two of the suspects were arrested on February 15, 2018. The other two were arrested in Nairobi days later.

Police also recovered 85 kilos of TNT, 5 AK47 rifles from the terrorists.

"Were they to succeed, it would have had an impact up to 200 metres. Their objective was to create fear and panic, attract attention....and hopefully to influence government decisions on safeguarding the country," Boinnet said. In addition, officers recovered 36 grenades and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Boinnet noted that in Marsabit, there has been a sleeper cell controlled by radicalised Muslim cleric Guyo Gorsa.